Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Youth Affairs

The Honourable Meaghan Scanlon

The Palaszczuk Government is calling on young Queenslanders to put their hands up and help shape how Queensland delivers for their future.

Applications are open for Queenslanders aged between 12 and 25-years-old to apply for the new Youth Engagement Strategy Group and help develop a strategy on how the sunshine state’s government listens to and delivers for young people.

Youth Affairs Minister Meaghan Scanlon said young people deserve a seat at the table, in shaping their region and the state’s future, and encouraged them to make their voices heard.

“The Palaszczuk Government has invested in free TAFE for under-25s, another $320 million for the popular Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, action on climate change and school upgrades across Queensland,” Minister Scanlon said.

“But we want to build on this. And importantly, we want young people to have a direct say in how their government does that.

Up to 20 positions will be made available in the group, with members to help inform the development of a new youth strategy for Queensland and enable effective community feedback throughout the public consultation process.

“Whether it’s jobs, cost of living, climate change, education, health, sport, consent or anything else that matters to you – this is the chance to speak directly with the government and help shape how Queensland responds.

“Queensland’s economic recovery will be driven by young Queenslanders. And it’s our government’s job to back them, to make sure they have access to a good education, skills, housing and the vital services they need.”

Minister Scanlon said young people with lived experience and a strong understanding of the key issues currently facing their peers, and have strong networks with whom they can connect, were strongly urged to apply.

To reflect Queensland’s diverse communities, those who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+, culturally and linguistically diverse, those living with disability, and from regional and remote regions, are particularly encouraged to apply.

Group members will have the opportunity to meet and work alongside other likeminded and passionate young people, meet government representatives, understand how government works, and become part of the Office for Youth’s extensive alumni for future opportunities.

Successful applicants will be expected to attend online meetings between July 2022 and February 2023.

To enable members to work together from all corners of the state, tasks will be delivered virtually via email and video calls.

Young Queenslanders are invited to express their interest by completing a nomination form and submitting a brief statement in response to the selection criteria.

Nominations close at 5pm, Friday 1 July 2022.

To apply head to: www.qld.gov.au/youth

For more information email: [email protected]

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078